The Rest of Us Just Live Here Review

The Rest of Us Just Live Here Review

This is the first book I have read from Patrick Ness. Let me tell you now it certainly won’t be the last. This novel is expertly crafted and had me hooked from the beginning. Mikey really just wants to graduate. He wants his freedom and the book follows his journey during his final year at high school before leaving for college. It tackles the generally touchy subject of mental health and shows how anyone can suffer.

Without trying to spoil too much, Mikey and his sisters Mel and Meredith have a tricky family life. Their mum is a state senator and their dad is well, an alcoholic. They constantly battle with their own family problems and being in the public eye too.

As well as the main characters the book also follows ‘the indie kids’ who all seem to be dying. Each chapter begins with a brief update as to what is going on within their little community. Ness does an amazing job at with holding information and leaving us guessing.

The different relationships within the family develop and change and with each negative event we see the family come closer or fall apart. I love how the main character is a male. The battle he has with his mental state shows that it is boys that suffer too. Ness does a great job at breaking down the stigma when it comes to this. Mikey’s wish to just live a normal and stress free life will ring accord with many young people. The highs and lows in Mikey’s life perfectly resembles a normal life and I love how his character is so relatable.

You really don’t want to miss out on this book. It really gives you perspective and a general feeling of satisfaction at the end. It also kind of gives you hope for everything that is to come.

Just a brief notice, if you were victims in the Manchester Bombings and are easily triggered this book may not be for you!